Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis (LG) is a rare, progressive malignant neoplastic disease in adults and children (although it is most common in people in the 5th and 6th decade), where nodular lesions destroy blood vessels. In addition, the lungs are usually affected. LG is composed of B-cells positive for Epstein Barr Virus and mixed with reactive T-cells. It often occurs in association with an underlying immunodeficiency state such as rheumatoid arthritis, organ transplantation, and human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection. A grading system from Grade I to Grade III for LG is based on the number of atypical lymphocytes, EBV-positive B-cells and amount of tissue destruction (necrosis). The advanced form (grade III) of LG is approached clinically as a subtype of diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The clinical features reflect systemic multi-organ disease with lung, skin, and central nervous system involvement.

Physical findings: Pulmonary findings may include cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Skin findings may include small red bumps, lumps under the skin, ulcers, thickened patches, or inflamed hair follicles. Skin lesions usually do not cause symptoms but they can be tender or itchy. Neurological findings may include cranial and peripheral nerve defects resulting in unsteadiness, blurred vision, weakness or numbness affecting facial muscles or hands and feet, seizures, altered cognition, focal motor and sensory complaints, and stroke syndromes.

ICD-9: 202.8

ONSET AND PROGRESSION

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis grade III is usually progressive and fatal.

TREATMENT

There is no standard treatment for grade III LG, although surgery and chemotherapy may improve pain relief and neurological symptoms. Median survival is about 14 months; five-year survival is less than about 30%.

SUGGESTEDPROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*

Suggested MER for evaluation: The adjudicator needs medical evidence from treating sources and hospitals. This evidence may include clinical history and examination that describe the diagnostic features of the impairment, imaging tests, biopsies, surgical procedures, and pathology reports.

Suggested Listings for Evaluation:

DETERMINATION

LISTING

REMARKS

Meets Listing

13.05A

113.03

113.05A

Grade III LG meets the listing upon confirmed diagnosis and without regard to effectiveness of treatment.